OMG, this beef and daikon braise is a total game-changer for those cozy nights in! It’s like taking a warm, flavorful hug straight out of a pot, and the umami goodness is off the charts—trust me, you’ll want extra rice to soak up every drop.
Braised Beef with Daikon is one of my favorite comforting dishes, rich in protein and low in calories thanks to the delightful combination of tender beef chuck and the subtly sweet daikon radish. I love how the aromatic blend of garlic, ginger, and star anise infuses the beef, enhanced by soy sauce and mirin.
Braised Beef With Daikon Recipe Ingredients
- Beef chuck: Rich in protein, provides umami depth, tender when braised.
- Daikon radish: Low-calorie, vitamin C-rich, adds mild sweetness and texture.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory umami, rich in umami-enhancing glutamates.
- Mirin: Sweet rice wine, balances flavors with subtle sweetness.
- Garlic: Aromatic, provides bold flavor, known for health benefits.
- Ginger: Spicy warmth, aids digestion, boosts aroma.
- Star anise: Licorice-like flavor, adds depth and complexity.
Braised Beef With Daikon Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 medium daikon radish, peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 star anise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Steamed rice, for serving (optional)
How to Make this Braised Beef With Daikon Recipe
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches, removing them when done.
2. In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sliced ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Return the beef to the pot and add the beef stock, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and star anise. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Add the daikon rounds to the pot, nestling them among the beef. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the daikon is tender.
6. Skim off any excess fat from the surface as needed during cooking.
7. Add the green onions to the pot in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
8. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
9. Once the beef and daikon are tender, remove the pot from heat and discard the star anise.
10. Serve the braised beef and daikon hot, with steamed rice on the side if desired. Enjoy!
Braised Beef With Daikon Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Tongs
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Ladle or skimmer
9. Small bowl or plate (for holding browned beef)
10. Serving spoon
FAQ
- Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
You can use other cuts like brisket or short ribs, but ensure they are suitable for braising and have some marbling for tenderness and flavor. - Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the beef, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender. - What can I substitute for mirin?
If mirin is unavailable, you can use a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar, using a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to sugar to mimic the flavor. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish can be made a day in advance and actually tastes better as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. - How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. - What side dishes go well with braised beef with daikon?
Steamed rice is a classic accompaniment, but you could also serve it with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. - Can I omit the star anise?
Yes, the star anise can be omitted if you prefer not to use it, though it will change the flavor profile slightly, as star anise adds a distinct aromatic warmth.
Braised Beef With Daikon Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Beef chuck can be substituted with beef brisket or short ribs.
- Daikon radish can be replaced with turnips or parsnips.
- Mirin can be swapped with a mixture of sake and sugar for a similar sweetness.
- Soy sauce can be exchanged for tamari sauce if a gluten-free option is needed.
- Star anise could be replaced with a small piece of cinnamon stick for a different aromatic note.
Pro Tips
1. Sear for Flavor: When browning the beef cubes, ensure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear in batches if necessary to achieve a deep, caramelized crust on the meat, which adds rich flavor to the final dish.
2. Pre-soak the Daikon: If you find the daikon too strong in flavor, you can soak it in water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the pot. This can mellow its pungency and enhance its sweetness when braised.
3. Ginger Balance: For an extra zest of flavor, lightly bruise the sliced ginger before adding it to the pot. This releases more of the essential oils, enhancing the dish’s aroma and taste.
4. Rest for Depth: If time allows, let the dish cool down slightly after cooking and rest for about an hour before reheating to serve. This resting period allows flavors to meld and deepen.
5. Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding the daikon and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or mirin as per preference. You can also add a touch of rice vinegar for acidity if needed.
Braised Beef With Daikon Recipe
My favorite Braised Beef With Daikon Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Tongs
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Ladle or skimmer
9. Small bowl or plate (for holding browned beef)
10. Serving spoon
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 medium daikon radish, peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 star anise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Steamed rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches, removing them when done.
2. In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sliced ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Return the beef to the pot and add the beef stock, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and star anise. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Add the daikon rounds to the pot, nestling them among the beef. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the daikon is tender.
6. Skim off any excess fat from the surface as needed during cooking.
7. Add the green onions to the pot in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
8. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
9. Once the beef and daikon are tender, remove the pot from heat and discard the star anise.
10. Serve the braised beef and daikon hot, with steamed rice on the side if desired. Enjoy!
